Long, semi-autobiographical novel by Drieu la Rochelle, published 1939. The hero, Gilles Gambier, searches in vain for a role in a futile world. In the first of the four parts, wounded and on leave in Paris, he develops a taste for debauchery and luxury; but, disgusted at this life, he volunteers for the front again, aiming to find heroism and death. In Part 2, after the war, he continues his aimless life, dabbling in the shallow world of the literary avant-garde and of cynical Third-Republic politics. The loss of the one woman he loves, and the suicide of a young man destroyed by his associates, finally make him break with this society. In Part 3 the love of a new woman restores his desire to live; he becomes a political journalist, and marries her. Disgusted by the inadequacy of contemporary politics and politicians, and inspired by the riots of 6 February 1934 [see Stavisky], he turns to fascism. But this too is found wanting; France falls back into sterility. His wife dies of cancer. Gilles despairs. In the epilogue a character called Walther (whom we perceive to be Gilles) fights for Franco and finds satisfaction in the re-found virility of war, and in death.
[Richard Griffiths]
